Matt Belanger talks fondly about catching Brook Trout in the trickling stream that ran through his childhood neighborhood. But when Matt recently visited, things had changed.

“I drove down to take a look at the creek, and it wasn’t there anymore! Instead, there was a new neighborhood,” the avid fly fisherman recalls.

“I wish I was surprised, but you see it happening all over the place,” Matt adds. “With development destroying wetlands and climate change warming the water, I’m seeing a lot less fish these days.”

Casting a Line for Conservation

Matt, 63, has happily taught his daughters, neighbors, friends, and many strangers how to fish. Matt and his wife Carol McKenna have generously supported Genesee Land Trust since 2013. Their gifts have helped purchase places people can fish, including Salmon Creek Nature Preserve in Hilton.

Future Vision: Accessible Fishing

The Land Trust hopes to build an accessible fishing platform at Salmon Creek as funds become available in the future.

“Genesee Land Trust’s deep commitment to creating peaceful, inclusive places is such a gift to our entire community, especially the 300,000+ people living with disabilities in Greater Rochester,” says Anita O’Brien, Founder and Executive Director of Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA).

“It’s a fast-paced and often inaccessible world for too many children and adults,” she adds. “Accessible trails and fishing spots make it possible for everyone to enjoy the health and wellness benefits that time in nature provides.”

Genesee Land Trust has partnered with RAA to become more inclusive as an organization and build more accessible nature trails, preserve features, and community programs.

Matt hopes to fish at Salmon Creek this fall when the salmon swim upstream to spawn and trout follow to eat their eggs. “Fishing is a quiet, zen-like pursuit in beautiful places,” he says. “It’s a great way to fall in love with nature.”